Tory MP claims Labour politician’s ‘fascist’ Israel remarks breach antisemitism definition
Stephen Crabb, CFI's parliamentary chair, tells MPs 'My understanding is that the use of language like "apartheid" and "fascist" isn't just insensitive, it's a breach of the IHRA definition of antisemitism'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Conservative MP Stephen Crabb has suggested the MP Kim Johnson was in breach of the IHRA definition of antisemitism when she branded the Israeli government “fascist” in the House of Commons.
In a point of order, Crabb spoke to the deputy speaker claiming:”My understanding is that the use of language like ‘apartheid’ and ‘fascist’ isn’t just insensitive, it’s a breach of the IHRA definition of antisemitism.”
He then added there was a “deep rooted antisemitism in our political culture which at this point of time is so evident on the left.”
Some MPs were then overheard to complain “It’s not just the left.”
Crabb noted how today’s remarks by Johnson had come less than a week after the Commons held at debate to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
Earlier Liverpool Labour MP Johnson reappeared in the Commons to issue an apology and withdraw her remarks, made during Wednesday’s PMQs.
She said:”I would like to apologise unreservedly for the intemperate language I used during PMQs. I was wrong to use the term fascist in relation to the Israeli government and understand why this was particularly inventive given the history of the state of Israel.
“While there are far right elements within the government I recognise that the use of the term in this context was wrong.”
She also said she withdrew the apartheid reference, which was related to Amnesty International’s report on this issue.
Deputy speaker Nigel Evans stressed that MPs should be careful with language used in the Commons.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
